Imagn Images/Mark J. Rebilas/Tony Tomsic/Bill Streicher
Michael Jordan said, “I’ve always believed that if you put in the work, the results will come.” But what happens when the tough work, popularity, and fame do not get you a trophy? The chances of becoming one of the greatest athletes are so slim and so rare that only a few can make it to the top.
Athletes constantly fight to defy enormous odds and get professional ranks. However, those who win championships are even rarer.
Even though winning a title doesn’t always define a great athletic career. However, some athletes even make it to the Hall of Fame without even playing a championship.
Top 5 Athletes Who Never Won A Championship
From the Stanley Cup to the Larry O’Brien Trophy, World Cup championships, and Olympic gold, there are names in every sport who have had incredible careers yet never won a championship. Hence, here are some of the greatest athletes and peak performances who went their entire careers without winning a championship.
5. Randy Moss
Sport: Football (NFL)
Career: 14 seasons (1998-2010, 2012)
Teams: Minnesota Vikings (1998-2004, 2010), Oakland Raiders (2005-06), New England Patriots (2007-10), Tennessee Titans (2010), San Francisco 49ers (2012).
At his peak, Randy Moss was a sight to behold. He helped lead the New England Patriots to an undefeated regular season in 2007, set an NFL record with 23 receiving touchdowns, and gained 1,493 receiving yards. He came as close as anyone could to winning a Super Bowl that year.
Before the New York Giants defeated them in Super Bowl XLII, Moss and the Patriots appeared poised to make NFL (National Football League) history. Four years later, Moss played for the San Francisco 49ers in another Super Bowl, but he lost again.
4. Allen Iverson
Sport: Basketball
Career: 14 seasons (1996-2010)
Teams: Philadelphia 76ers (1996-2006, 2009-10), Denver Nuggets (2006-08), Detroit Pistons (2008-09), Memphis Grizzlies (2009).
Allen Iverson, at just 6 ft tall, was selected as the shortest No. 1 overall choice in the NBA’s (National Basketball Association) history in 1996. Later, he went on to earn 11 All-Star selections and was named MVP (Most Valuable Player) of the All-Star Game twice.
Iverson won over generations of fans with his high-scoring style, best described as one of wild abandon. However, winning a championship ring still eluded him.
When Iverson led the 76ers to the NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers in 2001, it was the closest he had ever come. Despite Philadelphia’s loss in the five-game series, Iverson was awarded the NBA Most Valuable Player for that season.
3. Harmon Killebrew
Sport: Baseball
Career: 22 seasons (1954-75)
Teams: Washington Senators/Minnesota Twins (1954-74), Kansas City Royals (1975)
Over 22 seasons, Harmon Killebrew led the American League in home runs six times, spending all but one of those seasons with the Minnesota Twins/Washington Senators. He recorded eight seasons with at least 40 home runs, with his best campaign coming in 1969. It is when he hit 49 home runs, drove in 140 RBIs, and won the American League MVP award.
2. Ted Williams
Sport: Baseball
Career: 19 seasons (1939-42, 1946-60)
Teams: Boston Red Sox
Before serving three years in World War II for the United States, Williams won the American League Triple Crown in 1942 as the last player to hit over 400. He then won the Triple Crown again in 1947.
The Red Sox, with a crippled Williams, lost to the St. Louis Cardinals in seven games in 1946, the only time Williams participated in the World Series. Williams later stated that his greatest regret was his performance in the 1946 World Series.
1. Dan Marino
Sport: Football
Career: 17 seasons (1983-99)
Teams: Miami Dolphins
Despite never winning a Super Bowl, the quarterback was known for having the fastest release and one of the finest arms in football history. He retired with 40 NFL single-season and career passing records. Dan Marino is also the quarterback with 147 career wins, the highest for a player who never won a Super Bowl.
In Oliver Stone’s 1999 film Any Given Sunday, Marino consulted on the project and even allowed his home to be used as a set. Dennis Quaid’s character, Jack Rooney, was loosely inspired by Marino, but not a direct portrayal.
Despite his many achievements, Marino would have still preferred to win a Super Bowl ring.